Changes in Motor Neural Network Activity in Parkinson’s Disease
Motor activity in a normal brain is associated with beta-band oscillations, in which changes have been observed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). More specifically, there is enhanced activity in the basal ganglia thalamocortical (BGTC) loop, which also holds a prominent role in the neurological changes in PD. These changes in beta-band oscillations can be observed in parkinsonian animal models in conjunction with patient studies to provide parallel analysis. However, the specific changes within the BGTC network as the disease progresses remain unclear. This study investigates the relationship between beta-band oscillations and motor symptoms further in a non-human primate model to determine how activity changes over time along with the relationship of beta activity within regions of the BGTC network. We show that early changes in beta-band oscillations may precede the onset of visible motor symptoms. We found variations in beta activity with early MPTP injections of PD in subcortical areas of the BGTC loop with no significant changes in the motor cortex. Our results demonstrate the effect that beta-band oscillations have on motor activity in subcortical regions of the brain and its role in the development of PD. These results provide a basis for further research in beta activity shifts in PD and how treatments may affect such activity.